NEWS
NHS EMBRACES TECH FOR SWIFT DERMATOLOGY CONSULTATIONS
NHS boards across the UK are using a revolutionary technology to give GPs access to rapid advice through storing and forwarding photos and files directly to specialist NHS dermatology specialists for pre-referral advice and guidance .
Consultant Connect ’ s PhotoSAF technology is the UK ’ s most widely used teledermatology platform , covering over half of the NHS across England , Scotland and Wales . Approximately 3,500 NHS organisations , including GP practices and Trusts , use the service .
This automation eliminates the need for GPs to manually process referrals , saving valuable clinical and administrative time while ensuring accurate patient documentation . These efficiencies save the NHS approximately £ 16 million . The platform integrates into primary care patient records in England , incorporating activities , photos and messages , also linking with the NHS e-Referral Service ( e-RS ).
Dr Emamoke Ubogu , GP and partner at Swan Medical Centre , said : " As a GP , our training in dermatology is quite limited unless you undergo training to become a GP with a special interest in dermatology . This is why being able to communicate with a dermatologist is so helpful . The specialist often only needs to see photos in addition to the medical history in order to make a diagnosis ."
GPs and other clinicians take photos of patients ’ skin using the PhotoSAF app and share these with dermatology specialists , who can identify problems and offer advice on the best next steps for the patients .
Since its 2017 launch , the PhotoSAF app has recorded over two million dermatology photos . Usage has surged by 2,400 % in 2023 compared to 2019 .
HEALTHCARE INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES SECURES $ 336,000 AI INFECTION CONTROL GRANT
Healthcare Integrated Technologies ( HiTC ) has a $ 336,000 grant from the state of Tennessee targeted at bolstering infection control practices for 24 senior living facilities .
Leveraging its position in AI-powered health solutions for senior living , HiTC will employ this grant to ensure safer and more efficient living environments using their proprietary AI technology .
This development builds on HiTC ' s recent strategic alliance with Signature Healthcare , underscoring the company ' s ongoing commitment to innovative healthcare solutions for senior residents . The grant involves 21 Signature Healthcare facilities and two partnering companies .
Scott Boruff , CEO , HiTC , said : " We are thrilled to receive this substantial grant , which will enable us to further our mission of making facilities safer for patients and healthcare workers through the application of innovative AI solutions . We are poised to deliver transformative outcomes across these Tennessee facilities and drive meaningful , impactful change in the ALF / SNF spaces , including those operated by our valued partner , Signature Healthcare ."
The installation of HiTC ' s AI-based track and trace systems will significantly enhance the quality of care provided in these healthcare facilities . Signature Healthcare , a technologyforward company , has expressed its enthusiasm for this collaboration . Darian Goodman , Senior Vice President of Operations at Signature Healthcare added : " We are pleased to partner with HiTC in this endeavor to raise the bar in tracking and tracing in infection control . This initiative aligns with our commitment to delivering the highest standards of care to our patients and residents ."
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